Niels Bohr Lecture by Professor Rocky Kolb, The University of Chicago

Abstract: 

Dark energy appears to be the dominant component of the present mass-density of the Universe, yet there is no persuasive theoretical explanation for its existence or magnitude. While the simplest explanation might be Einstein's cosmological constant, there are other possibilities, including new particles and forces, modification of general relativity, or back reactions of inhomogeneities.  Many feel that nothing short of a revolution in our understanding of physics will be required to solve the dark energy issue.  After framing the dark-energy problem, I will discuss possible theoretical solutions, as well as an observational program to study the properties of dark energy.

About the speaker:

Rocky Kolb has won prizes for both science and teaching.He is universally known for giving excellent talks. His research field is mainly particle physics in the early universe, and he is coauthor of the standard textbook on particle physics and cosmology. Rocky Kolb is professor at the University of Chicago, and the founding Director of the Particle Astrophysics Center at Fermi-Lab.